Driving laws

Oct. 31, 2012

LICENSES, RENEWALS

U.S. citizens who move to Tennessee from another state have30 days from the time they establish permanent residency to change to a Tennessee driver’s license. They must pass a vision test and present their valid license from another state. If six months have passed since establishing residency, a written test and a road test are also required.
Those applying for a driver’s license must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, two proofs of identity, two proofs of Tennessee residency (documentation should include name and residential address) and proof of Social Security number. If never issued a Social Security number, a sworn affidavit stating that is required.
Those obtaining a license for the first time must pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. Applications can be made at any of the 47 full-service driver’s testing stations in the state. For locations, go to www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/dllocationmain.htm.
Anyone issued a Tennessee driver’s license since Jan. 1, 2001, is required to provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency at the first renewal. For more information, call 615-253-5221 or 1-866-849-3548 or go to www.tn.gov/safety/driverservices.shtml.

VEHICLE TAGS, REGISTRATION

You can renew a Tennessee license plate or registration in person or by mail, and some counties allow online renewal. Bring or mail a renewal form and the fee to the county clerk’s office. Some counties, like Davidson County, also require an emissions test. For more information, contact your county clerk’s office. Want a personalized or specialty license plate?
Before a gas or diesel-fueled vehicle can be registered in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson or Wilson counties, it must pass an emissions test. Drivers must bring the vehicle, registration or title and a $9 fee to an emissions testing station. For locations call 615-862-6050.
Effective June 2012, vehicle temporary operation permits shall no longer be issued by the county clerk’s office for vehicles that have failed vehicle inspection requirements. Under Tennessee law, neither the Department of Revenue nor the county clerks are authorized to issue temporary operation permits to allow operation of motor vehicles that have failed a vehicle inspection. For questions, please call: Davidson County, 615-340-5656; all other counties, 615-532-8378.
Exempt are 1974 or older models; electric vehicles; motorcycles; and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,500 pounds.

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ROAD RULES

Pedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections without traffic signals or when signals are not operating at a crosswalk. Pedestrians led by a guide dog or carrying a cane always have right of way.
Move over law: Tennessee’s “Move Over Law” requires motorists to move into an adjacent lane of traffic for emergency vehicles when safe to do so, or to slow down.
Cell phones and texting: Drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses may not use cell phones (including hands-free devices) while driving. Failure to comply may result in a $50 fine. Drivers can use a hand-held cell phone only in emergencies or to communicate with a parent. Drivers may not send, read or receive text messages while driving, or read emails or look at websites on
phones. The offense carries a $50 fine.
Motorcycles: All motorcyclists must use an approved helmet, and all motorcycles must have a windshield. Rearview mirrors must be mounted upright on the left handlebar, and footrests are required for drivers and passengers.
Seat belts: Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all front-seat passengers, as well as back-seat passengers younger than 18. Violators may receive a ticket, with additional penalties for occupants ages 17 and younger.
Child restraints: Children younger than 1 year old or weighing 20 pounds or less must be in a rear-facing position in a federally approved restraint system in the rear seat. Children 1 to 3 years old and weighing more than 20 pounds must be in a safety seat in a forward-facing position in the rear seat. Children 4-8 or less than
4-foot-9 tall must be in a federally approved booster seat in the rear seat. Children 12 and younger may not ride in open truck beds on the highway, and children 6 and younger may not ride in open truck beds on any street.
Turns: Drivers may turn right on red, unless posted otherwise. A left turn may be made from a one-way street onto another one-way street after checking for traffic.
Littering: There is up to a maximum $500 fine and sentence of 40 hours of public service removing litter for throwing trash from a vehicle.
Accidents: Automobile insurance is mandatory in Tennessee, and you must show proof of insurance during traffic stops and accidents. After a non-injury accident, vehicles involved may be moved out of traffic.

TEEN DRIVERS

Teenagers younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license. Tennessee has a graduated license program that restricts teens younger than 18. More information about teen drivers

DUI

Tennessee’s legal blood-alcohol limit is .08 percent. Tennessee law states that when you drive in Tennessee, you have given “implied consent” to take a blood-alcohol or drug test if pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Refusal results in an automatic suspension of a driver’s license for one year.